GM recalls 3.36 million cars for ignition issues

General Motors on Monday recalled 3.36 million North American cars with ignition switches that can be jarred out of the "run" position, potentially affecting power steering, power brakes and air bags. The cars range in model years from 2000 to 2014.

The switch issue is similar to the defect linked to at least 13 deaths in an earlier, 2.6-million vehicle recall of Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars.

GM said the same engineer designed all the switches in the problematic vehicles, for a total of 5.95 million recalls. The car maker fired switch designer Ray DeGiorgio after an earlier recall of 2.59 million small GM cars. DeGiorgio also designed the switches for the 3.36 million mid-size and full-size cars recalled on Monday.

GM said it would replace or rework the ignition keys on the cars in the new recall, and it raised a recall-related charge for the second quarter to $700 million from $400 million.

Jeff Kowalsky | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Shop foreman John Chapman performs a service recall on a General Motors Co. (GM) 2005 Saturn Ion at Liberty Chevrolet in New Hudson, Michigan.

GM said it was aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to the new recall.

The automaker expects to take a charge of up to $700 million in the second quarter for the cost of recall-related repairs announced this quarter. That includes a previously disclosed $400 million charge.